Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Concerts in the Village Every Thursday

Florida’s Emerald Coast enjoys a continuous beat. Locals and visitors alike appreciate live music and there are an abundance of live music venues in and around Destin. One venue that that is tucked away off the beaten path is Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s (MKAF) Cultural Arts Village located off Commons Drive near the Home Depot. While it’s not visible off Highway 98, this lush grass amphitheater with Dugas Pavilion is a local treasure.
 
Over the years, MKAF has enjoyed the annual tradition of presenting Concerts in the Village. Now in its 22nd year, the nine-week Concerts in the Village series is held every Thursday evening from May 4 through June 29 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village.
 
Entertaining local, regional and national touring artists will hit the Dugas Pavilion stage to perform everything from Motown to modern rock and from Caribbean rhythms to beachy blues and from folk to funk. This year’s rocking roster includes two talented bands paying tribute to the timeless classic music of The Eagles as well as rock legend Joe Cocker.
 
The 2017 Concerts in the Village Schedule

May 4 - Emerald Gold  (Niceville, Fla.)
Lead vocalist, Rodney Wilson, performs his popular Motown Revue, including other genres of R&B, classic rock and blues.

May 11 - Flow Tribe (New Orleans, La.)
This group of rising artists performs second line brass and Cuban-Caribbean rhythms meld with R&B, soul, rock, and hip-hop beats in a high-energy performance.  

May 18 - Fountain City Players (Columbus, Ga.)
This top-notch group of musicians perform a wide range of music from Motown, Top 40, Pop, classic rock, oldies to variety songs

May 25 - Alter Eagles (Largo, Fla.)
The best of The Eagles! As one instant fan noted, “These guys sounded so close to the original band it was scary.” 

June 1 - The Embers featuring Craig Woolard (Raleigh, N.C.)
Known as the heart and soul of beach music, their showmanship and musical chops have earned them multiple industry awards, including Inductee in South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame and North Carolina’s Official Ambassador of Music.

June 8 - The Maxx, Atlanta, Ga.
This amazing group brings the audience to their feet! Energetic choreography and eclectic sound with classic oldies to today’s pop music that is just infectious.  

June 15 - Tyler Kinchen and the Right Pieces (Ponchatoula, La.)
This emerging and dynamic group of musicians are making their mark with their energetic style of R&B and Funk, but also tap into Jazz, Soul, World, Pop, Latin, Blues and Folk.

June 22 - Triggerproof (Gulfport, Miss.)
Back by popular demand, this talented cover band puts pop, rock, dance and Top 40 through the musical blender to recreate both popular and classic hits that appeal to everyone.

June 29 - The Joe Band – Joe Cocker Tribute (Ann Harbor, Mich.)
A powerhouse tribute to Joe Cocker – one of the greatest Rock icons of all time with favorite hits like “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
 
Gates open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. for this come-as-you-are family-friendly outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair, picnic and wine or purchase soft drinks and dinner prepared by a featured restaurant or food trucks on-site. Admission is $15 for adults; children (12 and under) and MKAF members are free. Purchase tickets on-site and proceeds benefit MKAF’s community outreach programs. (Pets, tables larger than two feet and drones are not permitted.)
 
For more information call (850) 650-2226 or visit mattiekellyartsfoundation.org. The Cultural Arts Village is located at 4323 Commons Drive West in Destin, Florida.

Ready to book your spring or summer beach vacation rental? View Newman-Dailey’s premier Destin vacation rentals online , including comfortable rooms at the Beachside Inn, which is a short drive from the Cultural Arts Village, or call one of our friendly vacation specialists to help narrow your search.
 
 See you @ the beach!
 

Published by Tracy Louthain
Friday, April 21, 2017